BRIN unveils strategies to curb invasive suckermouth catfish spread

  Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency has unveiled strategies to curb the spread of the invasive suckermouth catfish (Plecostomus), which is disrupting freshwater ecosystems across the country.

At a discussion in Jakarta on Thursday Triyanto, a researcher at BRIN’s Center for Limnology and Water Resources, explained the need for an integrated approach combining prevention, control, and utilization.

“Prevention involves strict monitoring of new species introductions and public education to discourage releasing non-native fish into public waters,” he said.

Control measures include intensive capture or localized eradication, while utilization strategies explore turning the species into raw material for feed, fertilizer, or industrial products.

BRIN outlined short term steps in one or two years such as routine monitoring, habitat identification, and mass capture alongside public education on alternative uses for the fish.

Long term measures (three to 10 years) involve habitat restoration water quality improvement, reintroduction of native species, stronger regulations, further research, and multistakeholder collaboration.

Triyatno warned that without sustained intervention the invasive species which is native to South America and locally known as sapu-sapu fish could threaten the sustainability of Indonesia's inland water resources.

“This is not only a biodiversity issue, but also about ecosystem resilience and livelihoods dependent on freshwater,” he said during the session.

Gema Wahyudewantoro, a researcher at BRIN’s Center for Biosystematics and Evolution, added that while not all foreign species are harmful, each has the potential to become invasive depending on environmental conditions.

He emphasized the need for careful risk assessments before introducing any new species into the Indonesian environment.

Gema recommended scheduled, periodic capture of sapu-sapu, identifying natural predators such as the marble goby (Oxyeleotris marmorata), and ensuring fish health to prevent pathogens from entering ecosystems.

He also called for controlled aquaculture systems to avoid accidental releases.

He noted that several non-native species such as carp, tilapia, and catfish have economic value in Indonesia, showing that proper management can balance benefits with ecological risks.

However, he urged restoration of habitats damaged by sapu-sapu activity, stronger government oversight, and public education to prevent the release of ornamental fish into natural waters.